My trip of a lifetime was from Cleveland, Ohio to Cleveland, Tennessee.
I am sure there will be people who read this and think huh? Tennessee? Yup, you heard it right.
Tennessee is so dear to my heart, because one of the most lovely women in the world lives there.
You see, almost 3 years ago when I was battling stage 3 cancer while pregnant I was so alone. Alone in the sense that I knew of no one going through the same exact thing. I couldn't call someone and hear them say, oh my gosh, I know exactly how you feel.
I connected with Stormy on" Be Bold Be Bald" facebook page.We were both featured on the page, and I reached out to her to let her know she was not alone, and we clicked. We chatted online here and there . I just felt like somebody finally understood me. She was so sweet and kind. Her friendship has been such a beautiful thing to me. More than she knows ....
We cried together, laughed together, and lifted each other up.We had to endure multiple surgeries, chemo while pregnant, delivered our Newborn babies, radiation,lost our hair.....and all the while we felt so much better because we understood what the other was going through.We were deemed survivors. On our way to being cancer free.
I had nominated Stormy to receive help from a foundation that helps families battling cancer. Unfortunately, it did not work out. I remember Stormy typed "I can't wait to meet you. " My heart dropped and I cried for an hour straight. I knew that financially it just would not be possible. My husband and I talked. My sweet and supportive husband told me it was okay, and I needed to go to her and see her. I had an emergency fund of $200. saved up in case our cars broke down, or an extra bill popped up.
This was my emergency.
Brian would stay home with the girls, and my amazing friend Heather was going to accompany me on this very special trip.
I had googled local videographers , and contacted the first 2 to see if one would be willing to capture this amazing moment. One called back. His name was Greg at Chosen Productions. I knew right away that God had made sure that we crossed paths. Believe me when I say, It is not every day that you meet such a generous and caring soul. He even helped out by paying for my flight which relieved the burden of financial stress . He had spoken with his partners , and they agreed to document this amazing meeting for us!
So, I started planning. My daughters made pictures to cheer Stormy up. I bought small gestures of love to brighten the mood. I talked to her amazingly strong Mom Laura. I was so blessed to have this opportunity.
So February 3rd, I boarded a plane to Tennessee. I was a ball of nerves. Partly because I knew there would be a camera documenting this. Mostly it was just the anticipation and excitement to finally meet this beautiful friend. When we arrived we went down to luggage, and met Greg and his partner Will. They were both so kind and welcoming.
They wanted to film me getting our rental car, and it was the first time I was "mic'd up" They assured me the microphone would be ok and was hard to break (lol) I went to the rental counter and the clerk asked me what actress I was and where I was from....he asked what the show was about...and I nervously chuckled, and said "This is real life! I'm from Cleveland Ohio and battled cancer while pregnant and so did my Friend in Cleveland Tennessee, I am going to meet her for the first time.!"
He looked surprised. Heather and I walked to the rental car as Will followed us closely with camera. I was going to start my interview, while driving in rush hour traffic . I was so nervous! So this is what the Kardashians do every day! Better them than me, I thought and chuckled. We picked up flowers and 8 minutes later pulled into the driveway. I saw Stormy on the porch, looking gorgeous as ever. We both embraced sobbing tears of joy, and relief, and I felt complete. She hugged me so tightly, and I thought Man, this girl is STRONG!!
As she told me to come in , A sweet little boy grabbed my hand and said come on! and yanked me through the doorway. I started tearing up because I knew it was her miracle baby Colt. I secretly felt sad that My Sophia couldn't be there to play with him....But it was such a touching moment. Her Mom's house was gorgeous. Truly, the second I entered , I felt at home and oh*so* welcomed. It was so nice to meet her kids, and Husband Travis. I met her Mama last and we both started crying tears of joy again. It was so amazing. I caught Heather tearing up too ! I was so fortunate to be surrounded by so much love. It was truly everything and more than I expected. Stormy's Mom surprised us with an amazing BBQ dinner. I even had my first real Sweet Tea. Yummazing! We sat and chatted with Stormy, her sister Asya, and Mama Laura. In between we played with the kids and gushed over sweet little Maverick. I gave stormy a very special present. I had custom friendship bracelets made . She had one, and I the other. It represented our beautiful long distance friendship From Cleveland Ohio , to Cleveland Tennessee. Friends Forever.
After a day full of travel and a HUGE first meeting, Heather and I drove to our Hotel : The Chattanoogan to check in. It was such a pretty Hotel. The manager was amazing and discounted our stay. We were greeted by a tray of Chocolate covered strawberries and a sweet card signed by the staff. We went downstairs and had a few cocktails at the bar, followed by an old school jam dance party in our hotel room!
Woke up early the next day. I had a big interview with Chosen Productions. I had the pleasure of meeting Greg's lovely wife. Everyone, Greg and his family and partners were so kind and generous.
They were interviewing me separately, then afterward Stormy and I had one together. It was so emotional. I cried for almost 2 hours straight. It was raw. emotional. real. I was re- living so much emotion. But It was very important to share our story . To let others know the power of faith , love, hope, and friendship. I cannot wait to share this with the world. I hope it touches others as much as it has touched me. So stay tuned for the video portion ! Till then , here are a few pictures - thanks to Greg for taking them for me!
Dinner was in Downtown Chattanooga, at a place called The Feed co. Table & Tavern.
It was Stormy, Her sister Asya, Mama Laura, Heather, and Me. I was not expecting it ...but Stormy and Laura came in with a bunch of gift bags for My children, Heather, and also for me. It was so sweet and I will cherish the lovely wall plaque, shadow box, cross, friendship mug and jewelry boxes for the kids <3
Stormy's super awesome sister Asya, had mentioned a place called Milk and Honey for dessert. She reminisced of college days and nights where she treated herself to this sweet place. I almost got the sense she secretly owned stock in this amazing place (hee hee, just teasin girl) . It was absolutely scrumptious.
It was bitter sweet, you see. I sat there smiling on the outside. My heart aching on the inside. I knew that once I left that gelato shop, I would be walking away from Stormy. Stormy and I sat there talking like long lost friends. She has these beautiful baby blue eyes that when you look into them they give you a sense of peace and comfort. I admire her so much for the grace and beauty that she has shown through all of her hardship. It was time to say goodbye. I didn't want to. I wished I could have hung out, just a few more days. I wanted to know her better. Go out and buy some knick knacks that her Mama told me she loves to buy. Go dance to some music that she likes. Take her kids to an amusement park. But we couldn't. As we said our "so - long" ( I refuse to say good bye, it's more like till next time) I hugged her sister, her mama, and last....but certainly not least My dear friend Stormy. My heart was feeling heavy. We hugged . I came there as a friend , and left as family.
Heather and I hopped into the car, and I sobbed. Hell, I am crying as I type this.
There Aren't too many people who leave an impression on your heart, honestly Stormy is one of them. Her family will forever be precious to me. So much so, that a part of me will always be in Tennessee.
579 Miles.
It seems so far away, for some amazing beautiful people so close to my heart.
Thank you, for being my dear friend. For helping me through cancer - and for holding my hand...I can only hope sweet girl, that I too have done the same for you.
This was my emergency.
Brian would stay home with the girls, and my amazing friend Heather was going to accompany me on this very special trip.
I had googled local videographers , and contacted the first 2 to see if one would be willing to capture this amazing moment. One called back. His name was Greg at Chosen Productions. I knew right away that God had made sure that we crossed paths. Believe me when I say, It is not every day that you meet such a generous and caring soul. He even helped out by paying for my flight which relieved the burden of financial stress . He had spoken with his partners , and they agreed to document this amazing meeting for us!
So, I started planning. My daughters made pictures to cheer Stormy up. I bought small gestures of love to brighten the mood. I talked to her amazingly strong Mom Laura. I was so blessed to have this opportunity.
So February 3rd, I boarded a plane to Tennessee. I was a ball of nerves. Partly because I knew there would be a camera documenting this. Mostly it was just the anticipation and excitement to finally meet this beautiful friend. When we arrived we went down to luggage, and met Greg and his partner Will. They were both so kind and welcoming.
They wanted to film me getting our rental car, and it was the first time I was "mic'd up" They assured me the microphone would be ok and was hard to break (lol) I went to the rental counter and the clerk asked me what actress I was and where I was from....he asked what the show was about...and I nervously chuckled, and said "This is real life! I'm from Cleveland Ohio and battled cancer while pregnant and so did my Friend in Cleveland Tennessee, I am going to meet her for the first time.!"
He looked surprised. Heather and I walked to the rental car as Will followed us closely with camera. I was going to start my interview, while driving in rush hour traffic . I was so nervous! So this is what the Kardashians do every day! Better them than me, I thought and chuckled. We picked up flowers and 8 minutes later pulled into the driveway. I saw Stormy on the porch, looking gorgeous as ever. We both embraced sobbing tears of joy, and relief, and I felt complete. She hugged me so tightly, and I thought Man, this girl is STRONG!!
As she told me to come in , A sweet little boy grabbed my hand and said come on! and yanked me through the doorway. I started tearing up because I knew it was her miracle baby Colt. I secretly felt sad that My Sophia couldn't be there to play with him....But it was such a touching moment. Her Mom's house was gorgeous. Truly, the second I entered , I felt at home and oh*so* welcomed. It was so nice to meet her kids, and Husband Travis. I met her Mama last and we both started crying tears of joy again. It was so amazing. I caught Heather tearing up too ! I was so fortunate to be surrounded by so much love. It was truly everything and more than I expected. Stormy's Mom surprised us with an amazing BBQ dinner. I even had my first real Sweet Tea. Yummazing! We sat and chatted with Stormy, her sister Asya, and Mama Laura. In between we played with the kids and gushed over sweet little Maverick. I gave stormy a very special present. I had custom friendship bracelets made . She had one, and I the other. It represented our beautiful long distance friendship From Cleveland Ohio , to Cleveland Tennessee. Friends Forever.
After a day full of travel and a HUGE first meeting, Heather and I drove to our Hotel : The Chattanoogan to check in. It was such a pretty Hotel. The manager was amazing and discounted our stay. We were greeted by a tray of Chocolate covered strawberries and a sweet card signed by the staff. We went downstairs and had a few cocktails at the bar, followed by an old school jam dance party in our hotel room!
 |
| My Bestie Heather and I at the bar |
 |
| View from our hotel |
Woke up early the next day. I had a big interview with Chosen Productions. I had the pleasure of meeting Greg's lovely wife. Everyone, Greg and his family and partners were so kind and generous.
They were interviewing me separately, then afterward Stormy and I had one together. It was so emotional. I cried for almost 2 hours straight. It was raw. emotional. real. I was re- living so much emotion. But It was very important to share our story . To let others know the power of faith , love, hope, and friendship. I cannot wait to share this with the world. I hope it touches others as much as it has touched me. So stay tuned for the video portion ! Till then , here are a few pictures - thanks to Greg for taking them for me!
 |
| Mama Laura and I |
 |
| Stormy and her Mama |
Dinner was in Downtown Chattanooga, at a place called The Feed co. Table & Tavern.
It was Stormy, Her sister Asya, Mama Laura, Heather, and Me. I was not expecting it ...but Stormy and Laura came in with a bunch of gift bags for My children, Heather, and also for me. It was so sweet and I will cherish the lovely wall plaque, shadow box, cross, friendship mug and jewelry boxes for the kids <3
Stormy's super awesome sister Asya, had mentioned a place called Milk and Honey for dessert. She reminisced of college days and nights where she treated herself to this sweet place. I almost got the sense she secretly owned stock in this amazing place (hee hee, just teasin girl) . It was absolutely scrumptious.
It was bitter sweet, you see. I sat there smiling on the outside. My heart aching on the inside. I knew that once I left that gelato shop, I would be walking away from Stormy. Stormy and I sat there talking like long lost friends. She has these beautiful baby blue eyes that when you look into them they give you a sense of peace and comfort. I admire her so much for the grace and beauty that she has shown through all of her hardship. It was time to say goodbye. I didn't want to. I wished I could have hung out, just a few more days. I wanted to know her better. Go out and buy some knick knacks that her Mama told me she loves to buy. Go dance to some music that she likes. Take her kids to an amusement park. But we couldn't. As we said our "so - long" ( I refuse to say good bye, it's more like till next time) I hugged her sister, her mama, and last....but certainly not least My dear friend Stormy. My heart was feeling heavy. We hugged . I came there as a friend , and left as family.
Heather and I hopped into the car, and I sobbed. Hell, I am crying as I type this.
There Aren't too many people who leave an impression on your heart, honestly Stormy is one of them. Her family will forever be precious to me. So much so, that a part of me will always be in Tennessee.
579 Miles.
It seems so far away, for some amazing beautiful people so close to my heart.
Thank you, for being my dear friend. For helping me through cancer - and for holding my hand...I can only hope sweet girl, that I too have done the same for you.
This is so heart touching, I'm so glad you girls have each other...Prayers
ReplyDeleteThat's a heart warming story.. Lovely that you got to meet Stormy and that you both had sweet babies to help bond over..
ReplyDeleteIm from Spring city, Tn. I just heard of the passing of Stormy. Its sad and I wish I would have gotten to meet her.
ReplyDelete